WASHINGTON — The Internal Revenue Service reminds taxpayers that if you can't file your tax return by the April 18 deadline of this year, there is an easy online option to get more time to complete your return.

Taxpayers who need more time to complete their return can request an automatic six-month extension to file their return. An extension will allow you additional time to gather, prepare, and submit your paperwork to the IRS, however, taxpayers should note that:

• An extension of time to file your return does not give you an extension to pay your taxes,
• They should estimate and pay taxes due by their regular due date to avoid potential penalties and
• They must file their extension request before the regular due date to file their return.

Electronically file your extension form, for free

Individual taxpayers, regardless of income, can use IRS Free File to electronically request an automatic tax filing extension. The fastest and easiest way to receive the extension is through Free file at IRS.gov. Taxpayers can request an extension electronically through the Form 4868 (SP) PDF. Filing the form will give the taxpayer until October 17 to file their return. In order to obtain the extension, you must estimate the tax liability on this application and also pay any amount due.

Get an extension when you make a payment

Other fast, free, and easy ways to get an extension include using Direct payment from the IRS, the Electronic Federal Tax Payment System, or pay with debit or credit card or digital wallet. There is no need to file a separate extension request (Form 4868) when making an electronic payment and indicating that it is for an extension. The IRS will automatically count it as an extension.

Important Reminders About Extensions

The IRS reminds taxpayers that an extension request provides additional time to file, but not to pay taxes due. Taxes must be paid by the original due date. Taxpayers must file even if they cannot pay the amount of taxes due. If you file a return or request an extension by the April 18 filing deadline, you will avoid late filing penalties, which could be up to 10 times more expensive than the failure to pay penalty.

Taxpayers who pay what they can by the due date reduce the total amount they are subject to in penalties and interest. Interest is four percent per year, calculated daily. The penalty for filing after the deadline is generally 0.5 percent per month, and the penalty for paying after the deadline is normally XNUMX percent per month.

The IRS will work with taxpayers who cannot pay the full amount of taxes they owe. Other payment options, such as getting a loan or paying with a credit card, can help resolve a tax debt. Most people can set a payment plan on IRS.gov to pay off your outstanding balance over time.

Other automatic extensions

Certain eligible taxpayers are given more time to file their return without the need to request an extension. These include:

• US Citizens and Resident Aliens who live and work outside the United States and Puerto Rico receive an automatic extension of two months to file your tax returns. They have until June 15 to submit. However, tax payments due must be paid by April 18 or interest will be charged.
• Members of the armed forces serving outside the United States and Puerto Rico also receive an automatic two-month extension to file their return. Those who serve in combat zones they have up to 180 days after leaving the combat zone to file returns and pay taxes due. Details are available at Publication 3, Tax Guide for the Military PDF.
• When the President signs a disaster declaration for an area, the IRS can postpone certain tax deadlines from taxpayers for residents and businesses in the affected area. People can find information about the latest tax relief for disaster situations on the IRS website.

The deadline to file a 2021 tax return and pay taxes due falls on April 18 this year, instead of April 15, for the Emancipation Day holiday in the District of Columbia. Taxpayers living in Maine o Massachusetts they have until April 19, 2022 to file their returns due to the Patriots Day holiday in those states.